This month has it all: St. Patrick's Day, the start of spring, chocolate Easter bunnies on the 31st, and so much more to do.

Mar. 1, 2013

Mark Marturello/Register Illustration

Written by

Paula Reece

Special to the Register

This month has it all: St. Patrick’s Day, the start of spring, chocolate Easter bunnies on the 31st, and so much more to do.

Kidsfest Today and Sunday

Kidsfest is a fun event that celebrates kids and helps fund the programs at Children and Families of Iowa. Look for lots of activities, games and entertainment, including appearances from Batman, Spider-Man and the Veggie Tales. Dora the Explorer will help CFI celebrate its 125th birthday on Sunday. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. today and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. $7, free for kids under 2. William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave. www.cfiowa.org

'The Kid Who Ran for President' Today through March 17

Des Moines Community Playhouse presents this adaptation of a novel by popular children’s author Dan Gutman. When 12-year-old Judson Moon believes he can do a better job running the country than the adults, he decides to make a run for the White House. 7 p.m. Fridays, 1 p.m. Saturdays and 1 and 4 p.m. Sundays. $15 adults; $12 students. 831 42nd St. www.dmplayhouse.com

Bottoms Up Blues Bash Today

Celebrate the lives of those affected by colon cancer by gettin’ down at the Bottoms Up Blues Bash, with performances from the Bel Airs and Matt Woods and the Thunderbolts. 7 p.m. $20 at www.valairballroom.com, $25 at the door. Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines.

Central Iowa Canstruction Today through March 9

This competition sponsored by the Iowa chapter of the American Institute of Architects inspires local architects, design professionals, engineers and students to produce some amazing sculptures and displays. It also helps feed the hungry in our communities. Watch the creations come to life on Build Day from 7-11 a.m. today, or come throughout the week to see the finished products. www.sciowa.org. 401 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Included with price of admission.

'Jekyll & Hyde' Tuesday through March 10

When you think of the classic story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, “sexy” may not be the first adjective that comes to mind. But in this musical production of the classic tale, Tony Award nominee Constantine Maroulis (of “American Idol” fame) and Grammy Award nominee Deborah Cox steam up the stage. $38-$58 through Ticketmaster and the Civic Center box office. Civic Center, 221 Walnut St.

Adult Prom March 8

Ever wish you could relive your prom and all its glitz, glamour — and hairspray? Don a totally tubular formal or dress ’80s casual and get ready for a night of live entertainment and more at this fundraiser for Animal Lifeline. $25 at www.animal-lifeline.com or $30 at the door. Hotel Fort Des Moines, 1000 Walnut St.

Home and Remodeling Show March 8-10

Get inspired to take on some home projects at this free event, presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines. Then find professionals to help you among exhibitors who all represent local vendors. Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave. www.dmhomeandremodelingshow.com.

Beer 'n' Bread at Living History Farms March 9

Get ready for a carb-tastic treat sampling more than 20 different Iowa micro-brewed beers while grazing on artisan breads and other goodies from Gusto Pizza, La Mie, South Union, Sweet Binney’s and more. 3-6 p.m. $20 at www.lhf.org. 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale.

Smart Talk series: King Peggy March 12

In 2008, Peggieliene Bartels became the first female ruler of Otuam, a fishing village of 7,000 people in Ghana. King Peggy, as she is called, has used her role to bring empowerment to women, who she believes will decide the future of Africa. Hear her speak about women’s roles in the world. 7:30 p.m. Purchase a three-pack of tickets, which also will include a ticket to Lara Logan on April 22 and Paula Abdul on May 6, for $20-$63.50. Civic Center, 221 Walnut St. www.smarttalkwomen.com.

Tracy Morgan March 15

If you’re still mourning the end of the Emmy Award-winning sitcom “30 Rock,” cheer yourself up by seeing comedian Tracy Morgan, who starred in the show. 7 p.m. $45.50-$55.50 at the box office, Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave.

Black Maria Film + Video Festival March 15-16

Fifty documentaries, experimental, animated and narrative works were selected to be included in the festival’s annual tour. See two different programs, 6:30 p.m. March 15 and 1 p.m. March 16. Free. Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave.

Iowa Flower, Lawn & Garden Show March 15-17

If spring fever has you itching to do some planting, the largest flower show and sale in Des Moines should help. See Jake Moss, host of DIY Network’s “Yardcore,” and Jerry Kluver with Hy-Vee Garden Helpers. Walk through 10 displays for inspiration. $6.95 for adults, $5.95 for seniors 62 and up, free for kids under age 12. Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave. www.iowaflowershow.com.

St. Patrick's Day Parade March 16

If you’re Irish all the time or just one day a year, it doesn’t matter. The Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of Central Iowa host the parade, which begins at noon on 15th Street, just south of Walnut, and will proceed north on 15th to Grand Avenue, then east to 8th Street. A reception will follow at the Marriott Hotel (7th Street and Grand Avenue) with entertainment by Kelly’s Clan, a Des Moines piping group and the Foy Dancers.

'Million Dollar Quartet' March 19-24

One of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll jam sessions of all time was said to have occurred in front of Sun Record’s studio in Memphis, when Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley came together for an impromptu recording. It’s brought to life in “Million Dollar Quartet.” $20-$55 through Ticketmaster and the Civic Center box office. Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St.

G. Love & Special Sauce March 20

With his latest album a return to pure country blues, G. Love admits this is the most inspired he’s ever felt making a record. Hear why when he shares his new songs in concert, along with guest John Fullbright. Tickets are $20-$25 at www.ticketfly.com. Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust.

'The Bald Soprano/The Dumb Waiter' March 21-31

Des Moines Social Club Theater Company explores the Theatre of the Absurd with two one-act plays, presented in tandem. Eugene Ionesco’s “The Bald Soprano” throws together an odd cast of characters as a commentary on the problems inherent in modern communication. In “The Dumb Waiter,” by Harold Pinter, two professional killers wait in a grubby, windowless basement room for word of their next assignment. $20 evenings, $10 matinees. Des Moines Social Club, 400 Walnut St. www.midwesTIX.com.

Chicago Comedy All-Stars March 22

Kick off the weekend with some laughs as the Chicago Comedy All-Stars stop in West Des Moines on their “Invading Iowa” tour. $15 in advance at the Val Air Ballroom box office or wwwticketweb.com, or $20 at the door. Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines.

Za Ga Zig Shrine Circus March 22-24

Experience the excitement and magic of the big top. The Za Ga Zig Shrine Circus has everything you expect — animals, clowns, daredevils, stunts and more. $14 for adults, $7 for kids ages 3-12 and free for children 2 and under. Jacobson Center in the Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave.

'9 to 5: The Musical' March 22-April 21

If you’re a fan of the 1980 movie starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dabney Coleman, you won’t want to miss the stage version of this comedy. $20-$35 for adults, $20-$33 for seniors and $20 for students. Des Moines Community Playhouse, 831 42nd St. www.dmplayhouse.com.

Arlo Guthrie March 27

On his “Here Comes the Kid” Tour, Arlo Guthrie honors the music and legacy of his father, folk singer Woody Guthrie. Purchase a season ticket package for the Live At the Temple Series for $129, which includes tickets to Kyle Eastwood Band on April 8 and Hector Del Curto Tango Trio on May 25. A limited number of seats remain. 7:30 p.m. Temple Theater, 10th and Locust streets. www.desmoinesperformingarts.org.

Ballet Des Moines' 'Snow White' March 30

Experience the story of Snow White, your favorite seven dwarfs, an evil queen, a prince and a huntsman in this production featuring Ballet Des Moines, more than 100 local dancers and the Des Moines Community Orchestra. $35-$55 through Ticketmaster and the Civic Center box office. Civic Center, 221 Walnut St.

• Let the kids look for eggs at the Carousel of Colors Egg Hunt on the north side of Union Park near the Heritage Carousel . Free. 10 a.m. 725 Thompson Ave.

• Celebrate Easter with the animals of Blank Park Zoo, where kids can enjoy egg hunts, scavenger hunts, craft activities and games, as well as a visit from the Easter Bunny. $7 adults, $3 children 3-12. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 7401 S.W. Ninth St.

Rodney Atkins March 30

Rodney Atkins brings his “Hits for the Money” tour, with opening acts Josh Thompson and Tyle Farr, to Veterans Memorial convention center. $29-$79 at www.dahlstickets.com. 730 Third St.